Max Verstappen just signed a contract extension that reportedly makes him the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 history, but the jaw-dropping number also reveals a massive pay gap between him and the sport’s rising star, Kimi Antonelli.
The four-time world champion’s new deal with Red Bull, announced last week, locks him in through 2030. According to reports, his base salary now sits at $107 million per season, with performance bonuses that could push it to $134 million annually. The total value of the four-year extension is said to exceed half a billion dollars.
That puts Verstappen well ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who reportedly earns $60 million at Ferrari. But the gap between Verstappen and Antonelli is even more staggering.
Antonelli, the 19-year-old Italian sensation, is reportedly making just $2 million this season. That’s despite winning six races in his sophomore year and currently leading the Drivers’ standings.
So why the huge difference? It comes down to experience and leverage. Verstappen has been in F1 for over a decade, has four world titles, and reportedly had an active exit clause that could have let him leave Red Bull for 2027.
The team was desperate to keep him.
Antonelli, on the other hand, is still on what sources describe as a rookie contract. He’s coming off a first season that left many wondering if he could deliver at the top level. Now that he’s proving himself, the balance of power could shift.
If Antonelli keeps winning, his next contract could be massive. And if Ferrari happens to be looking for a driver when that time comes, imagine an Italian champion in red. He could be the next big contract 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶 in the sport.
Here’s the full list of reported base salaries for 2026:
Max Verstappen, Red Bull: $107 million Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari: $60 million Charles Leclerc, Ferrari: $34 million George Russell, Mercedes: $34 million Lando Norris, McLaren: $30 million Carlos Sainz, Williams: $30 million Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin: $20 million Alex Albon, Williams: $15 million Oscar Piastri, McLaren: $13 million Pierre Gasly, Alpine: $12 million Lance Stroll, Aston Martin: $12 million Sergio Perez, Cadillac: $8 million Nico Hulkenberg, Audi: $7 million Esteban Ocon, Haas: $7 million Isack Hadjar, Red Bull: $5 million Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac: $5 million Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes: $2 million Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi: $2 million Ollie Bearman, Haas: $1 million Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls: $1 million Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls: less than $1 million Franco Colapinto, Alpine: less than $1 million
One thing to note: driver salaries don’t count against the $215 million cost cap teams operate under in 2026. That means teams can spend big on talent without hurting their car development budgets.
With Antonelli’s star rising fast, how long before he closes that gap?
